Ballistic barriers and enclosures and methods for providing ballistic barriers and enclosures

ABSTRACT

Ballistic barriers, ballistic enclosures, and methods of fabricating ballistic barriers and ballistic enclosures are provided. The ballistic barrier comprises a panel having a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix, for example, a resin matrix, adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and a protective elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel, but typically both sides. The barriers may be provided with camouflage to assist in concealing the barrier or the enclosure. The ballistic enclosures include support structures adapted to retain the ballistic barriers, for example, about a potential target, such, as personnel, equipment, or a structure. Aspects of the invention may be uniquely adapted to protect domestic infrastructure, such as, components of the electric power grid; however, aspects of the invention may be used to protect any potential target of vandalism or aggression.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/983,302, filed on Apr. 23, 2014, the disclosure of whichis included by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to ballistic barriers, forexample, bullet-resistant barriers and the like. Specifically,embodiments of the present invention provide modular ballistic barriers,modular ballistic enclosures, and methods of providing ballisticbarriers and enclosures having barriers comprising fiber-reinforcedpanels coated with an elastomeric film.

2. Description of Related Art

Ballistic protection of personnel, equipment, and structures is anever-present concern in the global environment of the early 21stcentury. The protection of personal and physical assets, either fromincidental mischievous activity or from sophisticated internal andexternal antagonists, extends beyond the scope of military and“homeland” security to commercial, municipal, and even residentialprotection. For example, recent headlines highlight the vulnerability ofUS infrastructure, in particular, equipment and facilities associatedwith the electrical power grid.

Aspects of the present invention provide ballistic barriers, ballisticenclosures, and methods for providing ballistic barriers and ballisticenclosures that provide further options for protection to military,municipal, commercial, and residential users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments and aspects of the present invention provide ballisticbarriers, ballistic enclosures, and methods for providing ballisticbarriers and ballistic enclosures that overcome the disadvantages ofexisting barriers and enclosures. Aspects of the present invention areadvantageously lightweight, portable, and modular in design. Aspects ofthe invention minimize or avoid interfering with electromagnetictransmissions, for example, radio signals or microwave transmissions. Inaddition, aspects of the invention can be concealed or “camouflaged” tominimize or prevent detection.

One embodiment of the invention is a ballistic barrier comprising orincluding: a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix,for example, a resin matrix, adapted to retain the plurality of wovensheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of thepanel. According to one aspect, the plurality of woven sheets may befiberglass woven sheets. In another aspect, the resin matrix may be apolyester resin or a polyurethane resin. According to another aspect,the elastomeric layer may be a polymer, for example, a natural polymeror a synthetic polymer.

According to one aspect of the invention, the elastomeric layer of theballistic barrier may include fibers, for example, plastic fibers orglass fibers.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ballistic barrier mayinclude at least one sensor adapted to detect contact with the ballisticbarrier.

In another aspect, the ballistic barrier may further include a cosmeticlayer, for example, providing camouflage, and comprise a layer of paintor a layer of sheet material.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of fabricating aballistic barrier. The method may comprise or include: providing a panelcomprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retainthe plurality of woven sheets; and at least partially covering at leastone side of the panel with an elastomeric film. Typically, both sides ofthe panel are covered with an elastomeric material. In one aspect of theinvention, the method may further comprise introducing fibers to theelastomeric layer, for example, by exposing at least one side of thepanel to a vacuum.

In one aspect of the invention, providing the panel may be practiced bypositioning the plurality of woven sheets, introducing a fluid matrix tothe positioned plurality of woven sheets, and allowing the fluid matrixto cure to form the panel. In one aspect, each of the plurality of wovensheets comprises a direction of orientation, and positioning theplurality of woven sheets comprises varying the direction of orientationof the plurality of woven sheets.

A further aspect of the invention is a ballistic enclosure comprising orincluding a support structure; a plurality of ballistic barriers, eachof the plurality of ballistic barriers comprising a panel comprising aplurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the pluralityof woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one sideof the panel; and means for mounting the plurality of ballistic barriersto the support structure. In one aspect of this invention, the supportstructure comprises a plurality of horizontal members and a plurality ofvertical members adapted to receive at least one of the plurality ofballistic barriers. For example, the plurality of horizontal members andthe plurality of vertical members may each have elongated cavitiesadapted to receive, for example, slidably receive, the at least one ofthe plurality of ballistic barriers. In one aspect, the ballisticenclosure is a modular enclosure.

A still further aspect of the invention is a ballistic barrier kitcomprising or including: at least one ballistic barrier comprising apanel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted toretain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mountedto at least one side of the panel; and a support structure adapted toreceive the at least one ballistic barrier. In one aspect, the kit mayfurther include a plurality of fasteners adapted to retain the at leastone ballistic barrier on the support structure. In another aspect, thekit may further include installation instructions, for example, aninstruction manual.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of providing aballistic enclosure comprising or including: providing a ballisticbarrier support structure; and mounting a plurality of ballisticbarriers to the support structure, each of the plurality of ballisticbarriers comprising a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and amatrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and anelastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel. In oneaspect, mounting the plurality of ballistic barriers to the supportstructure comprises positioning the plurality of ballistic barriers onthe support structure and retaining the plurality of ballistic barrierson the support structure with fasteners. In another aspect, the supportstructure comprises a plurality of horizontal members and a plurality ofvertical members adapted to receive at least one of the plurality ofballistic barriers, and mounting the plurality of ballistic barriers tothe support structure comprises mounting, for example, slidablymounting, the at least one of the plurality of ballistic barriers to theplurality of horizontal members and to the plurality of verticalmembers.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention will be readily understood from thefollowing detailed description of aspects of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballistic barrier according to oneaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a left-side elevation view of the ballistic barrier shown inFIG. 1, the right-side elevation view being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 1, thebottom view being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 4 asindicated by Detail 5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ballistic barrier shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a woven sheet weave that may be used in aballistic barrier according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another woven sheet weave that may be used in aballistic barrier according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arrangement of woven sheets that maybe used in a ballistic barrier according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a ballistic barrier mountingarrangement prior to assembly according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ballistic barrier mountingarrangement shown in FIG. 10 after assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly of ballistic barriersaccording to an aspect of the invention as mounted about a component tobe protected.

FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the assembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partial elevation view of a mounting frame that may be usedto mount ballistic barriers according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting frame shown in FIG. 14as viewed along view lines 15-15 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the mounting frame shown in FIG. 15 asindicated by Detail 16 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another assembly of ballistic barriersmounted in a modular frame according to an aspect of the invention asmounted about a component to be protected.

FIG. 18 is a partial exploded view of the assembly shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 a partial perspective view of the assembly of ballistic barriersshown in FIG. 12, including a detailed cross-sectional view of aballistic barrier shown in FIG. 20, according to an aspect of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention, and their numerous aspects,provide ballistic barriers, systems of barriers, arrangements ofbarriers, and methods of providing ballistic barriers and enclosures forprotecting personnel, equipment, and structures from ballistic impact,for example, impact by projectiles, such as, bullets, rocks, stones, andordinance, among other projectiles. Aspects of the present inventionemploy ballistic barriers, for example, bullet-proof panels, that mayprovide improved ballistic resistance while enhancing resistance toenvironmental conditions, such as, wind, rain, snow, ultraviolet light,among other environmental conditions. Though aspects of the inventionmay be uniquely adapted to protect electrical equipment, such as, powersubstations, other aspects of the invention may be used to protect abroad range of equipment, structures, and vehicles, among otherpotential targets of attack or vandalism.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballistic barrier 10 according to oneaspect of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of theballistic barrier 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a left-side elevationview of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIG. 1, the right-sideelevation view being a mirror image thereof; and FIG. 4 is a top planview of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIG. 1, the bottom view beinga mirror image thereof.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIGS. 1through 4 as indicated by Detail 5 in FIG. 4. As shown most clearly inFIG. 5, ballistic barrier 10 comprises a panel 12 having a plurality ofwoven sheets 14 and a matrix 16 adapted to retain the plurality of wovensheets 14; and an elastomeric film or layer 18 mounted to at least oneside of the panel 12, but typically mounted to both sides of panel 12.As shown in FIG. 5, the elastomeric film 18 may typically be provided toopposing sides 20, 22 of panel 12. In addition, elastic film 18 may beapplied to the ends 24, for example, top, bottom, and side ends, ofpanel 12. Though a substantially rectangular barrier 10 is shown inFIGS. 1-5, according to aspects of the invention, barrier 10 may beprovided in a broad range of shapes and sizes depending upon, amongother things, the geometry of the application or installation. Theseshapes include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, polygonal(including triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like), round, andoval, among other conventional shapes.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ballistic barrier 10 shownin FIGS. 1 through 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of woven sheets14 may comprise 2 or more sheets, but typically includes at least 5sheets, and may include 20 to 60 sheets of woven material. Woven sheets14 may comprise many conventional types and forms of woven material, forexample, woven fiberglass, woven plastic, woven carbon fiber (CF), or acombination thereof. For example, in one aspect, woven sheets 14 may befiberglass sheets, for example, “ballistic grade” fiberglass; “E-glass”fiberglass (that is, an alumino-borosilicate glass); “A-glass”fiberglass (that is, alkali-lime glass with little or no boron oxide);“E-CR-glass” fiberglass (that is, electrical and/or chemical resistantglass comprising alumino-lime silicate); “C-glass” fiberglass (that is,alkali-lime glass with high boron oxide content); “D-glass” fiberglass(that is, borosilicate glass, having low dielectric constant); “R-glass”fiberglass (that is, alumino silicate glass); “S-glass” fiberglass (thatis, an alumino silicate glass) or a combination of 2 or more thereof.

In one aspect, the woven sheets 12 may comprise woven plastic fibers,for example, polyamide (PA) fibers, such as, nylon; polyethylene (PE)fibers, both high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for instance, anultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene fiber, such as, a UHMWpolyethylene provided by Honeywell or a liquid crystal aromaticpolyester, such as, Vectran® fibers provided by Warwick Mills, andlow-density polyethylene (LDPE) fibers; polyethylene terephthalate (PET)fibers; polypropylene (PP) fibers; polyester (PE) fibers;polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers; polystyrene (PS) fibers;acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) fibers; polycarbonate (PC) fibers,such as, Lexan® polycarbonate fibers; or polyvinylchloride (PVC) fibers;para-aramid fibers, such as Dupont's Kevlar® fibers; aramid fibers, suchas Teijin's Technora®, Tawron®, or Conex® fibers or Dupont's Nomex®fibers, among other plastic fibers.

Woven sheets 14 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.020 inches toabout 0.25 inches, but are typically between about 0.025 inches andabout 0.050 inches in thickness, for example, about 0.031 inches ( 1/32of an inch).

The matrix 16 which is adapted to retain the woven sheets 14 maytypically comprise a “resin,” for example, a plastic resin, wherebypanel 12 may comprise a fiber-reinforced plastic panel. In one aspect,the resin of matrix 16 may comprise any material that can be applied towoven sheets 14 as a fluid and then be hardened (for example, cured)under appropriate conditions to, for example, retain and/or impregnatethe woven sheets 14. In one aspect, matrix 16 may be a plastic resin,for example, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, a vinyl ester resin, ora polyurethane resin.

In one aspect, matrix 16 may comprise a natural or a synthetic resin.For instance, matrix 16 may comprise an epoxy resin or a plastic resin,for example, a thermosetting plastic resin.

Panel 12 comprising woven sheets 14 and matrix 16 may be of varyingdensity and dimension. For example, in one aspect, panel 12 may have a“density” of between 1 pound per square foot [#/sf] to 10 #/sf, buttypically has a density between about 3 #/sf to about 7 #/sf.

In one aspect, panel 12 may comprise a projectile-resistant fiberglasspanel, for example, bullet-resistant fiberglass panel a provided by WacoComposites, Ltd. of Waco, Texas [www.armorcore.com], for example, apanel marketed under the trademark “ARMORCORE” by Waco Composites.

According to aspects of the invention, elastomeric film or layer 18 isused to provide at least some protection to panel 12, for example,environmental protection—for instance, to withstand outdoor conditions.Specifically, in one aspect, elastomeric film or layer 18 may beprovided to provide at least some protection from exposure toultraviolet (UV) light (for example, from the UV light in sun light),for example, when panel 12 may be deteriorated by exposure to UV light.Accordingly, in one aspect, elastomeric film or layer 18 minimizes orprevents the passage of UV light through layer 18 and onto panel 12. Inanother aspect, film or layer 18 may provide at least some protection ofpanel 12 from weathering, for example, exposure to wind, rain, snow, orother precipitation. In one aspect, film or layer 18 may also provideprotection of panel 12 chemical attack or corrosion, for example, frommoisture, an acid, or an alkali. Film or layer 18 may also minimize orprevent cracking or other deterioration of film or layer 18. In oneaspect, film or layer 18 may provide a non-slip surface, for example,having particles (such as sand) or fibers that provide at least someresistance to slippage.

In one aspect, elastomeric film or layer 18 may comprise any elastomericmaterial, for example, any “rubber” material,” that can be applied topanel 12. For example, in one aspect, elastomeric film 18 may be anatural polymer, such as, polyisoprene rubber, or a synthetic polymer,such as, a neoprene, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic rubber,and a polyvinyl chloride, or an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)rubber, and the like.

In one aspect, elastomeric film 18 may comprise a urethane orpolyurethane, for example, a urethane or a polyurethane having at leastsome resistance to UV light. For example, in one aspect, elastomericfilm 18 may comprise a urethane coating provided by Industrial PolymersCorporation and marketed under the trademark SPEEDLINER® or SPEEDLINER1000, or like materials. In another aspect, elastomeric film 18 maycomprises a hexamethylene diisocyanate polymer. For example, in oneaspect, elastomeric film 18 may comprise a hexamethylene diisocyanatepolymer coating provided by Magnet Paint & Shellac Co. and marketedunder the trademark MONSTALINER™, or like materials.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 6, the properties of elastomeric film 18may be enhanced by the introduction of additives to film 18. Forexample, in one aspect, fibers 19 may be introduced to film 18, forinstance, fibers of any one or more of the plastic or polymer fibersmentioned above, for example, Kevlar® para-aramid fibers, or the like.

The layer or film 18 may be applied to panel 12 by any contemporarymethod of applying a fluid to a surface. In one aspect, panel 12 may bedipped into a vat of fluid elastomer 18 to apply elastomer film 18 topanel 12. In one aspect, fluid elastomer 18 may be applied bypaintbrush, for example, manually applied by paintbrush. In anotheraspect, fluid elastomer 18 may be sprayed onto panel 12, for example,using a conventional paint sprayer. In another aspect, fluid elastomer18 may be applied to panel 12 with the assistance of an under pressure(for example, a vacuum). For example, in one aspect, one side of panel12 may be exposed, for example, sprayed, with fluid elastomer 18 whilethe opposite side of panel 12 is exposed to vacuum (for example, atleast 2 inches of Hg absolute, for instance, about 2 inches to about 4inches of Hg absolute) whereby at least some of the fluid elastomer 18is drawn into, impregnated into, or infiltrated into panel 12. In arelated aspect, when fluid elastomer 18 contains at least someadditives, such as, fibers 19, when fluid elastomer 18 is applied underthe influence of vacuum, at least some of the additives, for example,the fibers 19, may be at least partially drawn into, impregnated into,or infiltrated into panel 12. The impregnation or infiltration of panel12 with additives, such as, fibers 19, can provide a barrier 10 havingenhanced properties, such as, enhanced strength, enhanced UV resistance,and/or enhanced resistance to weathering.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 through 4, according to aspects of theinvention, barrier 10 may assume a broad range of shapes and dimensions.For example, in one aspect, barrier 10 may have a width 26 ranging fromabout 1 foot to about 32 feet, but typically has a width 26 of fromabout 4 feet to about 8 feet. Barrier 10 may have a height 28 rangingfrom about 1 foot to about 32 feet, but typically has a height 28 fromabout 4 feet to about 8 feet. Barrier 10 may have a thickness 30 rangingfrom 0.125 inches to 36 inches, but typically has a thickness 30 fromabout 0.5 inches to about 2 inches. As shown most clearly in FIG. 6,panel 12 and woven sheets 14 may typically be co-extensive with thedimensions of barrier 10, that is, having substantially the same width26 and height 28 as barrier 10—while, for example, accounting for thethickness of elastomeric film 18. However, in one aspect of theinvention, the dimensions, that is, the width and height, of wovensheets 14 may be less than the width 26 and height 28 of barrier 10.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are plan views of a fabric weaves that may be used forwoven sheets 14 according to aspects of the invention. FIG. 7illustrates a typical “plain weave” 32 in which the warp and weft fiberyarns interchange at a generally 90 degree difference in direction,though the direction of the yarns may vary from 90 degrees, as indicatedby the axes 33 in FIG. 7. In another aspect, a “twill” or a “satin”weave may be used, as known in the art. FIG. 8 illustrates a typicalplain weave 34 of “rovings” of fibers, that is, bundles of individualfibers, that may be used for aspects of the invention. The weave shownin FIG. 8 is typically referred to in the art as “woven roving.” Again,the interchange of the rovings may be at a generally 90-degreedifference in direction, as indicated by the axes 35 in FIG. 8, thoughthe direction of the rovings in a woven roving according to aspects ofthe invention may vary from 90 degrees.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arrangement 36 of woven sheets 38,40, and 42 that may be used for sheets 14 in ballistic barrier 10according to an aspect of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, each of thewoven sheets 38, 40, and 42 have a direction of orientation indicated byarrows 39, 41, and 43, respectively, of their respective weaves. Asindicated in FIG. 9, according to one aspect of the invention, thedirections 39, 41, and 43 of the weaves of the woven sheet 38, 40, and42 may vary. The variation of the direction 39, 41, and 43 of the weavemay range from 5 to 90 degrees, for example, the directions 39, 41, and43 may vary by about 45 degrees.

Ballistic barriers 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6 may be mounted where desired toprovide the desired ballistic protection by any conventional means.However, according to aspects of the invention, mounting arrangementsand enclosures are provided which may be modular in design, portable,and light in weight whereby aspects of the invention facilitateshipping, handling, installing, servicing, and replacement, among otheradvantages. Several modular designs for arrangements for mountingballistic barriers 10 and enclosures having ballistic barriers 10 areprovided in FIGS. 10 through 19.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a ballistic barrier mountingarrangement 50 prior to assembly according to an aspect of theinvention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the ballistic barriermounting arrangement 50 shown in FIG. 10 after assembly. As shown,mounting arrangement 50 includes one or more ballistic barriers 52 andone or more supports 54. Ballistic barriers 52 may be any one of theballistic barriers 10 disclosed and described with respect to FIGS. 1-6.The one or more supports 54 may any type of structural member adapted tosupport panel 52, for example, a bar, a beam, an angle, and the like.Though two vertically-oriented supports 54 are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,according to aspects of the invention one or more vertically-orientedsupports 54 and one more horizontally-oriented supports (not shown) maybe used to support one or more barriers 52. Supports 54 may befabricated from any type of conventional material, for example, a metal,a plastic, or even a wood. In one aspect, support 54 may be made from asteel, an aluminum, titanium, or any other conventional structuralmetal.

As shown in FIG. 11, one or more barriers 52 may be mounted to supports54 by a plurality of fasteners 56, for example, mechanical fasteners. Inone aspect, fasteners 56 may be a plurality of sets of bolts and nuts,though other types of fasteners may be used.

In one aspect of the invention, barriers 52 may be mounted to supports54 to allow for easy removal of barriers 52 from supports 54, forexample, for replacement or servicing. For example, fasteners 56 may beadapted for quick or immediate release from supports 54. In one aspect,fasteners 56 may comprise one or more magnetic fasteners, wherebybarriers 52 may be mounted to supports 54 by magnetic attraction, forexample, ferromagnetic attraction. For example, in on aspect, supports54 may be at least partially ferromagnetic, for example, comprise carbonsteel, and one or more magnets may be mounted to the back of barriers 52and magnetically adhere to ferromagnetic supports 54. Conversely,barrier 52 may be at least partially ferromagnetic, for example,comprise at least some carbon steel, and one or more magnets may bemounted to supports 54.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the presence of one or more sensors 60according to another aspect of the invention. According to this aspect,one or more sensors or detectors 60 may be if are adapted to sense ordetect contact upon and/or movement of barrier 52, for example, impactby a projectile, and to emit a signal in response to the contact ormovement. In one aspect, the signal emitted in response to activationmay comprise a wired signal via electrical connection 62 and/or awireless signal 64. The 1 or more sensors or detectors 60 may be anyform of sensor or detector adapted to sense the movement, motion, and/orvibration of barrier 52. In one aspect, sensor 60 may be mounted tobarrier 52; in another aspect sensor 60 may be mounted adjacent to orwithin proximity of barrier 52 and be adapted to remotely sensemovement, motion, and/or vibration of barrier 52.

In one aspect of the invention, sensor 60 comprises an accelerometermounted to barrier 52 and adapted to emit a signal when a predeterminedacceleration of barrier 52 is detected. In another aspect, sensor 60 maycomprise a piezoelectric sensor adapted to emit a signal when apredetermined load or pressure is experienced by the sensor 60. Inanother aspect, the sensor 60 may be sonic sensor adapted to detectmotion of barrier 52. Other sensors 60 that may be used to detect themovement, motion, and/or vibration of barrier 52 will be apparent tothose of skill in the art.

In one aspect of the invention, the signal 62 and/or 64 emitted uponactivation of sensor 60 may be an audible alarm, such as, a siren orbell, and/or a visible signal, such as, a light or flare. In anotheraspect of the invention, signal 62 and/or 64 may be a wired or wirelesssignal to a receiver, for example, a nearby or a remote receiver adaptedto receive signal 62 and/or 64 and then emit an alarm, warning message,or notify personnel, for example, electrical utility workers or securitypersonal, of the detection of motion, movement, and/or vibration ofbarrier 52. Sensor 60 and signals 62 and/or 64 may be adapted and usedfor any barrier or barrier enclosure disclosed herein, including inarrangements 70 and shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and in arrangement 90shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an arrangement 70 of ballistic barrierassemblies 72 having barriers 74 according to an aspect of the inventionas mounted about a component 76 (for example, a potential target) beingprotected. FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of arrangement 70 shown inFIG. 12. Arrangement 70 may include a base 78, for example, a concreteslab or wooden deck adapted to support arrangement 70. Barriers 74 inbarrier assembly 72 may typically comprise one or more of the ballisticbarriers 10 disclosed and described with respect to FIG. 1 through six.As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, one or more barriers 74 may include anaccess door 73.

The component 76 protected by barrier assemblies 74 may be any device,equipment, enclosure, building, vehicle, and/or personnel that requiresprotection, for example, from projectiles, such as, bullets, rocks, orshrapnel, and the like. In one aspect, component 76 may be a piece ofelectrical equipment, for example, a component of an electrical supplysystem, substation, or power “grid,” such as, a electrical transformer,electrical generator, or electrical power storage device, and the like.Other components 76 that aspects of the invention may be used to protectinclude, but are not limited to, cooling systems, cellular phone towersand equipment, nuclear power plants and equipment, automobiles, trucks,bushes, military or police vehicles, homes, residences, and officebuildings, and the like. Though aspects of the invention may be uniquelyadapted for protecting components 76 located out of doors, aspects ofthe invention can also be used to protect components 76 positionedindoors, for example, in a building or in a military facility.

As show in FIGS. 12 and 13, one aspect of the invention is a modularballistic barrier protection arrangement or system 70 having one or moreballistic barriers 74 mounted in modular barrier assemblies 72. Thoughaccording to aspects of the invention, ballistic barriers 74 may bemounted by any conventional means, in the aspect shown in FIGS. 12 and13, arrangement or system 70 includes at least one—but, typically, aplurality of—barrier assemblies 72 having a support structure 79.Support structure 79 typically includes at least one upright or verticalelement 80 and a plurality of horizontal elements, for example, a topbeam 82 and a bottom beam 84. Uprights 80, top beam 82, and bottom beam84 are sized and dimensioned to receive and support ballistic barriers74. Though arrangement or system 70 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are shownhaving a single level of barriers 74, according to aspects of theinvention, system 70, assemblies 72, and support structure 79 mayinclude one or more levels of barriers 74. (See, for example, FIGS. 17and 18 below.) For instance, the modular design of system 70 allows fora variation of the number of levels of barriers 74, which may typicallybe a function of the size of potential target 76 being protected.Details of one upright 80, one top beam 82, and one bottom beam 84 areshown in and described with respect to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 below.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, uprights 80 may each include a base 81, forexample, a base 81 adapted to be secured to base 78, for example, byconventional means, for instance, depending upon the presence of base 78of assembly 70. In one aspect, base 78 may be a concrete slab or anexisting structure, and upright bases 81 may be mounted by means ofconventional anchor bolts, screws, rivets, and/or welding. In anotheraspect, base 78 may be omitted and upright bases 81 may be mounteddirectly to the ground, for example, having dirt, sand, or gravel. Inone aspect, an appropriate foundation may be provided to support uprightbases 81, for example, individual concrete bases or concrete block. Inone aspect of the invention, support structure 79 having uprights 80 andhorizontal member 82 and 84 may be “free-standing”, that is, not rigidlymounted to a base 78 or to ground, but free to be moved as needed.

As also shown in FIG. 13, barriers 74 may slidably engage and disengagesupport structure 79. For example, as indicated by double arrow 86,barriers 74 may slidably engage top beam 82 and bottom beam 84 whenmounted to support structure 79. In addition, barriers 74 may be securedto support structure 79 by conventional means, for example, by meansmechanical fasteners, such as, bolts, screws (for example, self-tappingscrews), rivets, and similar fasteners; and/or with an adhesive, forexample, an epoxy, a glue, a construction adhesive, or a cement.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a portion of a support structure 79shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 according to one aspect of the invention. FIG.15 is a cross-sectional view of support structure 79 shown in FIG. 14 asviewed along section lines 15-15 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and15, the portion of support structure 79 includes an upright 80 having abase 81, a top beam 82, and a bottom beam 84. FIG. 16 is a detailed viewof the support structure 79 shown in FIG. 15 as indicated by Detail 16in FIG. 15.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 16, in one aspect, upright 80, upper beam82, lower beam 84 each may comprise elongated channels having aninternal recess 87 adapted to receive barrier 74. In one aspect, each ofupright 80, upper beam 82, lower beam 84 may be “u-shaped” in crosssection, though other cross sectional shapes having a recess 87 adaptedto receive barrier 74 are envisioned. Recess 87 may typically include awidth 88 and a depth 89 adapted to receive barriers 74. Though FIG. 16illustrates a recess 87 in top beam 82, this shape and dimension ofrecess 87 may be shared by bottom beam 84 and by upright 80. Forexample, upright 80 may have two or more recesses 87 adapted to receivebarriers 74. Though not shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, upright 80, upperbeam 82, and lower beam 84 may each be adapted to receive appropriatefasteners to retain barriers 74, for example, the sides of recess 87 inFIG. 16 may be provided with through holes positioned to receiveappropriate mounting hardware.

Uprights 80, upper beams 82, lower beams 84 may each be fabricated fromconventional structural materials, for example, a steel, such asstainless steel; an aluminum; a titanium; or even a wood.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an arrangement or system 90 ofballistic barrier assemblies 92 having ballistic barriers 94 accordingto an aspect of the invention as mounted about a component 96 beingprotected. In the aspect shown in FIG. 17, 1 or more structures or walls98 are provided and arrangement or system is adapted to cooperate withthe 1 or more structures or walls 98. FIG. 18 is a partial exploded viewof arrangement or system 90 shown in FIG. 17. Arrangement or system 90may include a base 100, for example, a concrete slab or wooden deckadapted to support arrangement or system 90. Barriers 94 in barrierassemblies 92 may typically comprise one or more of the ballisticbarriers 10 disclosed and described with respect to FIG. 1 through six.

The component 96 protected by barrier assemblies 92 may be any one ormore of the components, devices, equipment, vehicles, or enclosuresdisclosed above, for example, an electrical transformer.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, ballistic barrier assemblies 92 accordingto aspects of the invention may be used with one or more structures orwalls 98, for example, existing walls of, for example, of an existingstructure. However, in one aspect, one or more walls 98, for example,the two walls 98 shown, or three walls 98, may be specifically providedto enclose one or more components 96.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 18, each barrier assembly 92 may typicallycomprise a plurality of ballistic barriers 94 and a support structure102 adapted to receive and retain barriers 94. As shown, in one aspect,barrier assemblies 92 may include a plurality of rows or levels ofbarriers 94, for example, at least 3 levels as shown. In a mannersimilar to support structure 72 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, supportstructure 102 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may typically include a pluralityof uprights or vertical elements 104 and a plurality of horizontalelements or beams 106. Uprights 104 and beams 106 are sized anddimensioned to receive and support ballistic barriers 94. For example,uprights 104 and beams 106 may include one or more recesses 87, as shownin FIGS. 14, 15, and 16; be adapted to receive ballistic barriers 94;and be fabricated from similar materials as uprights 80, upper beam 82,and lower beam 84 shown in FIGS. 12 through 16.

According to one aspect of the invention, the arrangement or system 90shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 (and arrangement or system 70 shown in FIGS. 12and 13) may be used to provide generally polygonal structures, forexample, having linear walls, according to one aspect. However, it isalso envisioned, that a plurality of barriers 74, 94 may be provided andpositioned in a desired orientation to provide a somewhat curved walls,for example, walls having a plurality of linear barriers 74, 94 arrangedalong an arc of a curve, for example, an arc of a circle or an arc of anoval, to provide a curvilinear wall or barrier. In another aspect,ballistic barriers 74, 94 may also be fabricated as curvilinearbarriers, for example, having a somewhat constant radius of curvature,depending upon the size of the installation.

FIG. 19 a partial perspective view of the arrangement or system 70 ofballistic barriers 74 shown in FIG. 12 as indicated by Detail 19 in FIG.12. FIG. 19 includes a cross sectional view of a ballistic barrier74—which may be similar to ballistic barrier 10 shown and described withrespect to FIGS. 1 through 6. As shown in FIG. 19, according to aspectsof the invention, ballistic barrier 74 may typically include a panel orcore panel 108, having an elastomeric layer 110 on opposing sides ofpanel 108, and a cosmetic layer or coating 112 on elastomeric layer 110.As described herein, core panel 108 may typically be similar to panel 12shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 1 though 6, and comprise aplurality of woven sheets (not shown in FIG. 19) embedded in a matrix(for example, a resin matrix). As also disclosed herein, elastomericlayer no may be similar to elastomeric film or layer 18 shown in anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 1 through 6 and comprise a protectiverubber layer. In addition, cosmetic layer or coating 112 may comprise alayer of paint or epoxy or a layer of sheet material, for example,paper, plastic, or canvas. In one aspect, layer or coating 112 may beprovided to at least partially conceal ballistic barrier 74, forexample, layer or coating 112 may comprise camouflage—for example,greens and browns—adapted to at least partially conceal, preferably,substantially completely conceal, assembly 70 from outside personnel.

From the preceding discussion, it will be apparent that embodiments ofthe invention disclosed herein provide ballistic barriers, methods offabricating ballistic barriers, ballistic enclosures, methods offabricating ballistic enclosures, and ballistic enclosure kits thataddress the disadvantages of the prior. Though aspects of the inventionare described herein for use in protecting outdoor facilities, such as,electrical grid equipment, it is envisioned that aspects of the presentinvention may be adapted and used for any situation or environmentrequiring ballistic protection. These environments include municipal,federal, and military facilities, including naval and marineapplications. In one aspect of the invention, the lightweight andportable features of the invention can be effective in facilitating thetransportation, construction, and subsequent dismantling of ballisticenclosures, for example, on or near a field of engagement or fire fight,or on or near a hostile incident, such as, providing a SWAT team commandstation. Other applications and uses of embodiments and aspects of theinvention will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

While several aspects of the present invention have been described anddepicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled inthe art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intendedby the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A ballistic barrier comprising: a panel comprising a plurality ofwoven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of wovensheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of thepanel.
 2. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of woven sheets comprises a fiberglass woven sheet.
 3. Theballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the matrix comprises aresin.
 4. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 3, wherein the resincomprises one of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin.
 5. Theballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric layercomprises a polymer.
 6. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 5,wherein the polymer comprises at least one of a natural polymer and asynthetic polymer.
 7. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 6,wherein synthetic polymer comprises one or more of a urethane, aneoprene, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic rubber, a polyvinylchloride, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.
 8. Theballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric layercomprises fibers.
 9. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 5,wherein the fibers of the elastomeric layer comprises one of plasticfibers and glass fibers.
 10. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim1, wherein the panel further comprises at least one sensor adapted todetect contact with the ballistic barrier.
 11. The ballistic barrier asrecited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of woven sheets have adirection of orientation, and wherein the direction of orientation of atleast some of the plurality of sheets varies.
 12. The ballistic barrieras recited in claim 11, wherein the direction of orientation of at leastsome of the plurality of sheets varies by at least 15 degrees.
 13. Theballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the ballistic barrierfurther comprises a cosmetic layer.
 14. The ballistic barrier as recitedin claim 13, wherein the cosmetic layer comprises at least one of alayer of paint and a layer of sheet material. 15-31. (canceled)
 32. Aballistic barrier kit comprising: at least one ballistic barriercomprising a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrixadapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomericlayer mounted to at least one side of the panel; and a support structureadapted to receive the at least one ballistic barrier.
 33. The kit asrecited in claim 32, wherein the kit further comprises a plurality offasteners adapted to retain the at least one ballistic barrier on thesupport structure.
 34. The kit as recited in claim 32, wherein the kitfurther comprises installation instructions.
 35. The kit as recited inclaim 34, wherein the installation instructions comprise an instructionmanual. 36-39. (canceled)